Here’s what you need to take care of a patient at home for their comfort
There are many ways families can help a sick or elderly loved one maintain a functional and comfortable lifestyle at home. As more families welcome parents and grandparents into their homes, the practices and tools needed to create these safe, supportive environments are more widely available.
Knowing what you need to take care of a patient at home is critical. Once the bathroom and bedrooms are outfitted with rails and benches and mobility aids are in place, you?ll have peace of mind and be able to help establish a routine.
Studies show that maintaining as much functional independence for as long as possible helps patients keep their energy up. Assist your loved one in accomplishing this by showing them how to use equipment like pulse oximeters. Have them practice using medical equipment and take note of indications that they require more assistance.
Safety first
The following items are designed so your loved one can perform daily tasks safely. The degree of human assistance they?ll need depends on their condition. Many active seniors are still able to enjoy their lifestyle and only require minimal assistance. Others will need a home care professional during times when nobody else available.
Put locks on all doors and windows to prevent your loved one from wandering out. Consider unfamiliar types of locks or placing them in hard to reach spots. Next go through and remove the bathroom lock and other interior ones to prevent them from locking themselves in and not being able to get out. Get them an identity bracelet so they can safely make it home in case they do get lost.
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While proofing your home, remove trip hazards, move sharp objects to higher shelves and check that all railings are secure. Lock cabinets to cleaning supplies, storage spaces and closets.
Bathroom
Bathing can be a frightening experience for a patient with dementia or other sickness. Minimize risks with a shower bench, nonslip bath mats, grab bars and a handheld showerhead. Toilet safety rails and raised seats provide needed stability.
If possible, dedicate a shelf in the bathroom to your loved ones bathroom items. Gathering everything they need in one place within easy reach reduces the chance of slipping on a wet floor. It also makes this daily task less stressful because they have less to think about. Many patients should never be left alone when bathing, so discuss this and make sure someone is always present.
Bedroom
What you need to take care of a patient at home varies on the person?s condition. In the bedroom, play it safe and have bed rails installed. Overbed tables allow them to rest when they need to, while still being able to read, write and enjoy a snack. These sturdy tables tilt to make reading easier and simply wheel away when not in use.
Eating
It?s normal for patients to have reduced appetites. Pay attention to their preferences and remember they may not be able to eat many of their old favorites due to diet constraints. Finger foods are easier for people who struggle with utensils, as are cups with lids and straws and bowls instead of plates.
Keep nutritious snacks easily accessible to your loved one so they can graze throughout the day. Bowls of fruit, soft oat bars, applesauce and chopped veggies help supplement calories and nutrients they may be not otherwise get enough of.
Having what you need to take care of a patient at home will make a world of difference in your loved one?s day to day life. It may seem like a lot, but ones these safety measures are in place life is easier, calmer and more enjoyable for everyone.